On September 29, 2016, President Obama signed into law HR 5325, which averts a government shutdown by continuing funding for the federal government through December 9, 2016. The legislation also includes $1.1 billion in supplemental funding to combat the Zika virus (including vaccine and diagnostic test development, public health, and other functions), along with $37 million to help address the opioid epidemic.
With the short-term funding in place, Congress has adjourned until a lame duck session scheduled to begin on November 14, 2016. In addition to addressing fiscal year 2017 spending, Congressional leaders have also expressed their intention to finish work on biomedical innovation ( CURES Act) and mental health system reform legislation, among other legislative business.
This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
